Feline Panleukopenia Outbreak Closes Cat Intake At Manatee County Animal Shelter
Manatee County, FL (June 27, 2025) – Following confirmation of a panleukopenia outbreak, a highly contagious and often deadly viral disease affecting cats, Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) has halted all feline intake at Bishop Animal Shelter. The focus is now on containing the spread and protecting vulnerable animals.
The shelter is taking decisive action, but community support is crucial to managing this crisis, according to officials.
Urgent Measures To Combat Feline Distemper
To control the outbreak and ensure the safety of both the shelter population and the public, MCAW is implementing several critical measures:
- Administering FVRCP vaccinations to all cats within the shelter system, with booster shots to enhance immunity.
- Intensifying sanitation protocols using hospital-grade disinfectants to eliminate the virus from surfaces and enclosures.
- Deploying a mobile spay/neuter unit to prepare fostered cats for adoption without needing to return to the Bishop Animal Shelter.
- providing free vaccination clinics for the public to protect community cats from feline panleukopenia.
Cat Town, the county’s dedicated feline adoption center, remains fully operational and unaffected by the outbreak. Bishop Animal Shelter anticipates resuming cat intake in approximately two weeks,contingent on the success of the deep-cleaning,medical treatment,and stringent containment strategies currently in place.
Understanding Feline Panleukopenia
Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, poses the greatest threat to unvaccinated cats and kittens. Symptoms of this severe illness include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and, tragically, sudden death in manny cases. The virus spreads rapidly through bodily fluids, contaminated environments like litter boxes, food and water bowls, and even on clothing or hands.
the AVMA reports that feline panleukopenia can have a mortality rate as high as 90% in kittens.
How You Can Help Stop The Spread of Feline Panleukopenia
The community plays a vital role in curbing this outbreak. here’s how you can contribute:
- Vaccinate Your cats: Ensure that all your cats are fully vaccinated against panleukopenia. This is the most effective preventative measure.
- Keep Cats Indoors: Whenever possible,keep your cats indoors to minimize their exposure to the virus.
- Consider Fostering: Provide a temporary, safe haven for healthy cats and kittens. MCAW urgently needs foster families during this crisis.
- Spread Awareness: Inform your friends, family, and neighbors about the outbreak and encourage them to take preventative measures.
MCAW urgently needs foster homes to care for kittens affected by the outbreak. These kittens require secure, temporary environments where they can thrive, receive necessary medical attention, and eventually be prepared for adoption. the organization provides all necessary supplies, training, and veterinary support to foster caregivers.
for updates, vaccination clinic schedules, and additional information, please visit mymanatee.org/pets or follow Manatee County Animal Welfare on social media. To offer assistance with emergency fostering,please contact Lauren Tryon at [email protected].
| Condition | Cause | Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panleukopenia | Viral infection | Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy | Vaccination, hygiene |
| Upper Respiratory Infections | Various viruses and bacteria | Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge | Vaccination, avoiding crowded environments |
Protecting Your Cat: A Year-Round Guide
Beyond the immediate crisis, responsible pet ownership is key to maintaining your cat’s health. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and a safe indoor environment contribute considerably to their well-being. Also, familiarize yourself with common cat diseases and their symptoms to ensure early detection and treatment.
Pro Tip: Keep your cat’s vaccination records up-to-date and readily accessible. In emergencies, this information can be vital for veterinary care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feline panleukopenia
- What exactly is feline panleukopenia?
- Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting cats, especially kittens.
- How does panleukopenia spread among cats?
- Panleukopenia spreads through direct contact with infected cats, their bodily fluids, or contaminated environments like litter boxes and bedding.
- What are the primary symptoms of feline distemper?
- Symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Immediate veterinary attention is essential.
- How effective is the feline distemper vaccine?
- the vaccine is highly effective in preventing panleukopenia and is considered a core vaccination for all cats.
- What should I do if I suspect my cat has panleukopenia?
- Contact your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving your cat’s chances of survival.
- Can humans contract feline panleukopenia?
- No, feline panleukopenia only affects cats and is not transmissible to humans or other animal species.
- How can I help prevent future outbreaks of feline panleukopenia?
- Ensure your cats are fully vaccinated, maintain good hygiene practices at home, and support local animal shelters in their vaccination efforts.
Do you have cats? Are they vaccinated? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
